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Oil Pan - Engine at 1A Auto

What is an Engine Oil Pan and where is it Located?

The engine oil pan, which is also sometimes referred to as the oil sump, is a metal pan that is fastened underneath the engine crankcase. This is where the oil collects when the vehicle is at rest and it is not flowing through the engine to keep it lubricated, which of course is critical to the engine and the entire vehicle’s operation. The engine oil pan acts as a reservoir of sorts. The oil pump, whose function it is to circulate the oil to the various engine parts, also resides in the oil pan and draws the oil stored in the engine oil pan to do so. The engine oil pan is sealed into place with a gasket and contains a drain plug that can be removed to allow you to drain the old oil in the vehicle when you need to do an oil change. Since the oil pan hangs out underneath the body of the car it is vulnerable to rough road conditions.

How do I Know if my Engine Oil Pan Needs to be Replaced?

The primary problem that engine oil pans encounter is that they develop leaks. On the exposed underbelly of the car or truck, the oil pan can be struck by rocks or other road debris. That kind of damage creates cracks or punctures in the pan that will leak oil. Road salt may also corrode the engine oil pan, and old age can lead to rust over time. The high heat inside the engine can warp the oil pan which can also cause leaks. The oil pan may also be damaged by timing chains or belts that come loose after being damaged. Heat, debris, and age can also wear down the engine oil pan gasket which will also cause leaks.

It should be fairly obvious by now that oil leaks are the telltale mark of a damaged engine oil pan. If there is oil in your parking space, then you may need a new engine oil pan or oil pan gasket. If you are unsure if a mark is from your vehicle, you might try putting a piece of cardboard underneath the oil pan as leaks will be easier to identify against the cardboard. If you look underneath the vehicle, you may find oil on parts below the engine. The forward motion of the car or truck will blow the oil backwards. If you want to find the source of the leak, it will likely be forward of the oil present.

Your engine should recycle the same volume of oil over and over again. If you find that you need to fill the oil frequently, then you probably have an oil leak. To confirm this, check the oil level with your dipstick, fill the oil as necessary and check it again later, the next day perhaps. If you need to fill the oil again, then there is a leak somewhere in the system, most likely in the engine oil pan. If your oil pressure gauge is showing low oil pressure, this may also show that you’re losing oil.

Can I Replace an Oil Pan Myself?

Yes, replacing the engine oil pan (or its gasket) is very straightforward, although it can be messy. You’ll need to get a catch pan ready and drain the oil before removing the old oil pan. If you are replacing the gasket alone you’ll want to clean the pan with a solvent. Still, it may be wise to inspect the oil pan itself for cracks or punctures while you have it off.

Need an Engine Oil Pan Replacement?

Does your engine oil pan drip or leak causing a dangerously low oil level or oil spots on your driveway or garage floor? If so, then it is crucial you obtain a replacement engine oil pan as soon as possible in order to keep your vehicle in good working order. At 1A Auto, we carry aftermarket engine oil pans for many makes and models, and at great prices! We sell stamped steel oil pans or cast aluminum oil pans depending on your application.

At 1A Auto, we make shopping for a replacement engine oil pan for your car, truck, SUV or van easy - we're here to help you select the right part for your vehicle! Call our customer service toll free at 888-844-3393 if you have any questions about our aftermarket engine oil pans, warranty, compatibility or to purchase, or you can buy online. Replace your leaking or damaged oil pan now with a great fitting replacement from 1A Auto and solve your problems today!

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